Firstly why Opelika, Alabama?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Opelika
• State: Alabama
• Population: 30,200 people
• Opelika’s quick summary would be famous for its historic train depot and the beautiful Saugahatchee Lake this city combines Southern charm with outdoor adventures.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 800 annually
• While this many move-out: 245 annually
• Net Migration: 555 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 632
• Number of Homeless people: 16

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it features historic charm and a small-town feel attractive to families and those seeking a quieter life

Perk #1: Opelika Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 27%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 68%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Black
• The median income is (and growing)  $57,797
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Opelika is $65,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $7203 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Opelika’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 91 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $958
• Property Tax %: 0.48%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,200
• Rent for an average house: $1,700
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Opelika
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Opelika, Tiger Town, Eagle’s Nest, Wildwood, and probably could include Goodwyn
• Avg. Age of Homes in Opelika: 43 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Opelika’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Opelika are  Manufacturing, Retail, and Education
• Opelika Job Scene: steady job market with manufacturing and retail presence
• The General Tech Scene: small tech community with some initiatives in education and healthcare technology , ,
• Opelika Resident’s pay $1,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Opelika: 4%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 150 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 3

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Opelika

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $95 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-85 runs near Opelika connecting Auburn and Montgomery
• Commute Time: 24 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: delays near the I-85 interchange
• Transportation Score: 25 out of 100 described as Minimal Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Opelika: 32,000
• Cars registered per Person: 1.1
• No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Opelika: revenue.alabama.gov/division/motor-vehicle/
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 54 of 100
• Local Airport: Auburn University Regional

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Opelika’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornado
• General Weather in Opelika is best described as experiences hot and humid summers with frequent thunderstorms and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures
• Winter Weather in Opelika i’d describe as mild and rainy
• Spring Weather in Opelika can be described as warm and humid
• Summer’s in Opelika are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Opelika is usually mild and pleasant
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 36 days in summer
• Days in a row in Opelika below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 49 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality with occasional pollen issues
• Opelika Winter Air average air quality but can fluctuate with seasonal changes

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Opelika Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Opelika 2
• While the number of trade schools inside Opelikas’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Opelika Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Opelika Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Opelika only Doctors is about 90
• Local Hospitals here is  3
• Full-time Opelika only Police Officers is about 73
• Crime Rate Index: 40/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Opelika’s Monthly utility bill average is $170
• Opelika’s Monthly Gym Membership: $28
• Opelika’s Water Quality Score: 70

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Opelika

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 5 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: nostalgic downtown with small shops and community events
• You might enjoy live performances at the Opelika Performing Arts Center
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Opelika  has a quaint nightlife with local breweries and pubs showcasing regional food and music

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Opelika

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers Southern dining options and local cafes with casual atmospheres
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 120 scattered around Opelika
• The Popular Sports Team is Opelika Bulldogs
• Top Level Political Climate in Opelika can be described as conservative with a focus on local economic development
• Opelika’s Longer standing religious establishment is First Baptist Church Opelika

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Opelika Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Opelika has 15 Parks?
• Opelika Sportsplex is Opelika’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Opelika Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Cycling, hiking, and fishing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Opelika Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Opelika can be described as moderate pace with charming downtown and community-oriented events
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Opelika picnicking in local parks community sports leagues library activities
• The Cities people commute to from Opelika are Montgomery 82 miles away Auburn 15 miles away Columbus 93 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Opelika or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: delays near the I-85 interchange. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Opelika’s Tornado risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Opelika is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Opelika are Montgomery 82 miles away Auburn 15 miles away Columbus 93 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 40 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Opelika has 0 days in a row below freezing and 36 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Opelika people have an average (positive or negative) $7203 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   16 homeless people living in Opelika. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general conservative with a focus on local economic development could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Opelika.

Retiree & Senior Life in Opelika

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may be eligible for property tax relief aiding in home ownership sustainability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Arbor Springs Health and Rehab Center
• Opelika Senior Center organizes arts and crafts fitness activities and social events

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Opelika, Alabama?

If Opelika, Alabama ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Opelika, Alabama, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!